tosyylihappo

Tosylihappo, also known as p-toluenesulfonic acid or TsOH, is an organic sulfonic acid. Its chemical formula is CH3C6H4SO3H. It is a strong organic acid, comparable in strength to sulfuric acid. Tosylihappo is a white, solid compound that is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It exists as a monohydrate in its common solid form.

The compound is widely used as a catalyst in organic synthesis. Its acidity and solubility make it suitable for a variety of reactions, including esterifications, acetal formations, and protection/deprotection chemistries. Tosylihappo is often preferred over mineral acids like sulfuric acid due to its milder nature and easier handling. It can also be used to prepare tosylate esters, which are good leaving groups in nucleophilic substitution reactions.

Tosylihappo is synthesized by the sulfonation of toluene with concentrated sulfuric acid. The reaction conditions can be controlled to favor the para-isomer, which is the most common form. The compound is relatively stable and can be stored for extended periods. However, it is corrosive and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions. Its applications span various fields, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, and dyes.